Parc Joly

The association for the preservation of the gardens and terraces of Semur-en-Auxois has been leading the project to restore the Parc Joly since August 2020. The aim is to restore this 2.5-hectare park (including 1 hectare of woodland), which is home to many local species of flora, open it to visitors and organise cultural and tourist events.

This park, accessible on foot from the centre of Semur-en-Auxois, is the left bank part of the grounds of the Joly de Saint-Florent family mansion, built between the 17th and 19th centuries. Enclosed by walls, it offers a variety of rural and picturesque atmospheres, as it borders the river and is laid out on the hillside by terraces of pink granite wall and emerging boulders. A shady valley with a circuit of waterfalls and ponds, an orchard and a wood complete this pleasant setting. An ancient dovecote, a grotto and a log cabin are the only buildings in the park. A visit to the park is now part of the visit to the town of Semur-en-Auxois, a remarkable heritage site (protected area). This is not a flower garden, but rather a place rich in local botanical treasures that has been protected from any intervention for over 50 years.